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Indecent Images Solicitors

If you have been accused of an indecent images offence, having access to expert legal support is essential.

The potential consequences of a conviction for indecent images can be severe, with lengthy prison sentences being a distinct possibility in many cases. We understand that facing such a prospect can be extremely distressing and is likely to have a major impact on both your personal and professional life.

At Nelson Guest, our team of specialist indecent images solicitors have both the expertise and experience to build a comprehensive defence against allegations relating to indecent imagery.

When working with our team, we will always carefully tailor our legal support to the circumstances of your individual situation. We will always be open and honest about the outlook of your case and the options available to you, assessing and analysing the evidence that is relevant to your case,

To discuss your case, or any other sexual offence matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our indecent images solicitors at Nelson Guest. You can call us on 020 8309 5010 or email newenquiries@nelson-guest.co.uk.

Why choose us?

Our sexual offence solicitors have many years of experience in handling indecent images cases. This experience means that we understand how sensitive these cases are, as well how crucial it is to take a pragmatic approach to proceedings.

We have a strong track record of successfully defending clients accused of indecent image offences, using our wealth of expertise and knowledge to build a robust case. Being accused of an offence as serious as indecent images is likely to be an incredibly distressing ordeal, which is why we always take the time to make sure that your concerns are heard and addressed. Your solicitor will ensure that you clearly understand what steps are being taken to build your defence and achieve a favourable outcome.

At Nelson Guest, our criminal defence department always seek to keep the relevant legal processes as clear and straightforward as possible, delivering the highest standard of service as a result.

Our indecent images solicitors legal service covers all areas of support that an accused client may need, including:

Legal advice for those who’ve been accused of indecent images
Support to build a case and develop a strong defence
Representing a client in Court
Negotiating with the prosecution to reach a more favourable settlement for the client
Preparing and filing all legal documents required for the legal processes and case

Frequently asked questions

What are indecent images?

In the UK, it is a criminal offence to take, to permit to be taken, to make, to possess, show, distribute, or publish an image of a child who is considered to be pictured ‘indecently’. For example, this can include images of a child who is pictured in a sexual way. Indecent images also include adults acting indecently in the presence of a child.

Despite the phrasing of the offence, indecent images do not just relate to photographs. They can also include video footage, drawings, tracings, and pseudo images (created using digital software).

If an indecent images case proceeds to case of a trial by jury, it will be for the jury to determine what is considered to be indecent. This is decided in refence to whether something offends against recognised standards of proprietary.

Are indecent images a serious crime?

All forms of indecent image offence are considered to be serious crimes, including:

Production/making indecent images offences
Distributing/sharing indecent images offences
Possession of indecent images offences

As such, these crimes also carry significant penalties for anyone that is found guilty.

What is the punishment for sending indecent images?

Indecent images of children sentencing guidelines vary depending on a wide range of factors, including the precise nature of the offence, the contents of the image and the presence of any aggravating or mitigating considerations.

Sentencing Council divides indecent images offences into three broader categories, these being possession, distribution and production.

Sentencing Council also separates the seriousness of indecent images into three categories, these being Class A, Class B and Class C. Class A indecent images are the most serious and Class C indecent images are the least serious.

With this in mind, indecent images of children sentencing guidelines are as follows:

Possession of indecent images
- Class A – Starting point of one year’s custody, with a sentencing range of 26 weeks custody to three years’ custody.
- Class B – Starting point of 26 weeks custody, with a sentencing range of a high level community order to 18 months custody.
- Class C – Starting point of a high level community order, with a sentencing range of a medium level community order to 26 weeks custody.
Production of indecent images
- Class A – Starting point of six years custody, with a sentencing range four to nine years custody.
- Class B – Starting point of two years custody, with a sentencing range of one to four years custody.
- Class C – Starting point of 18 months custody, with a sentencing range of one to three years custody.
Distribution of indecent images
- Class A – Starting point of three years custody, with a sentencing range of two to five years custody.
- Class B – Starting point of one year’s custody, with a sentencing range of 26 weeks to two years custody.
- Class C – Starting point of 13 weeks custody, with a sentencing range of a high level community order to 26 weeks custody.

A range of other punishments could apply to indecent image offences. For example, depending on the nature of the offence, there is a possibility that an offender will be required to register under the Sexual Offender’s Register, or be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

How long does an indecent images investigation take?

There are many stages to an indecent images investigation, which means that it time it takes to reach a final disposal can vary significantly.

In many cases, investigations can take several months, as the police and other relevant authorities gather and review evidence and conduct interviews.

How many indecent images cases get dropped?

The conviction rate for indecent images is marginally lower than the average conviction rate for criminal offences in the UK. In 2020, around 50% of indecent images cases resulted in conviction. This highlights the difference that robust criminal defence can make in these types of cases.

Is viewing indecent images the same as possessing in the UK?

The laws concerning indecent images can be complex. This means that there can often be some confusion over the potential consequences of viewing an indecent image and whether this would constitute possession.

The answer to this question is not a straightforward one, as ‘viewing’ an image could amount to possession in many instances.

For example, if to view an image an individual needs to download it on to their device, this is likely to equate to production, as a file is being created. However, if an image is being viewed through a search engine, this may be deemed as possession.